Boarding is certainly underpinned by the Marist charism of Family Spirit. As I reflect on the role of boarding here at the College, a reflection written by 2017 Old Boy and boarder Braydon Law best describes the opportunities presented for our boarders that call MCA home.

“Boarding is a way of life that offers unique opportunities: to meet friends from across the world, develop confidence, character, and independence. A strong sense of camaraderie, team spirit, and brotherhood has become synonymous with boarding at Marist. The overwhelming spirit and tone in the boarding houses are one of harmony and happiness. The opportunity to live, work and play with your mates makes boarding a special experience for me. Genuine friendships are forged between boarders that last well beyond graduation.” - Braydon Law

HARMONY DAY

It was wonderful to see many of our boarders (pictured below) supporting and promoting Harmony Day at our most recent assembly last week. Harmony Day celebrates our cultural diversity – a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home. Every year in March, Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for eliminating Racial Discrimination.

A significant moment during this assembly was the insight into the Marist journey that current Year 12 and Br Terence resident Dino Lopes has experienced. Avoiding making conversations due to language barriers was Dino’s strategy to survive in 2017 when he first arrived at Marist College Ashgrove from East Timor as a boarder. Fast forward four years, and Dino is now leading the College assembly, talking about his love for East Timor, his journey to Ashgrove and the gratitude he has to the College for being his home away from home.

END OF TERM 1

As the term draws to an end, we would like to thank all our boarding families for their wonderful support during what has been a wonderful, albeit extremely busy Term 1. Term 1 has enabled the boys to establish or cement normal study routines, co-curricular involvement, recreation and leave opportunities. A big thank you also to the boarding staff for the time and care they have provided your sons. Some reminders:

TERM 1 END DATE - Classes finish on Thursday 1 April. Where possible, please endeavour to keep your son in classes until this date.
END OF TERM TRANSPORT – Transport for boys to Roma Street train/bus station and the airport is available for booking by contacting Boarding Reception. Please email your son’s travel details to boardingreception@marash.qld.edu.au
END OF TERM BUS – Will depart MCA at 8:00 am on Thursday 1 April, travelling to the below destinations, at a cost of $30.00 per person. Please contact boardingreception@marash.qld.edu.au to book your son a seat. Sisters can also be booked on this trip.
CALLING FINAL NUMBERS - 5 spaces currently remain. Contact boardingreception@marash.qld.edu.au to confirm a place for your son.
BUS STOPS - Toowoomba: 9:45 am @ Info Centre, 86 James Street; Dalby: 11:00 am @ Info Centre, Drayton Street; Moonie: 1:00 pm @ Moonie Crossroads; Goondiwindi: 2:00 pm @ McDonald’s/BP Truck Stop
The residences can often be used by outside groups in the holidays, so it is important that boys pack up their personal areas into their locked cupboards, including their toiletry bags, before departing on the Easter holidays.

Term 2 Return – Monday 19 April

All boarders are to be in residence by 8:00 pm on Monday 19th April.Upon returning your boys to the College, afternoon tea will be available for families to enjoy in the Cyprian. Please take the time to enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat with other families from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Boarding Regional Visits

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 landscape, we are looking forward to once again connecting with our regional communities and families. We are currently finalising our plans for the year ahead and look forward to sharing this with families early in Term 2.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

Interviews on Monday 19 April will be held in-person on-site.
Interviews on Wednesday 28 April will be held online via Microsoft Teams.
More information will come to you from the Day School.

Term 2 Uniform

All years commence Term 2 in winter uniform.

Reds Experience

With the weather being kind and passing showers staying away, the boarding school were treated to a night to remember at Suncorp Stadium. A crowd of 12,500, 140 of them dressed proudly in College uniform, embarked onto Suncorp Stadium to see the Reds continue their 9-streak winning run against a valiant Western Force outfit. Echoes could be heard across the stadium as College war cries were belted out along with enthusiastic support for the home team. Led by our senior boarders, the boys in attendance were fantastic ambassadors for the College. Many thanks must be extended to the QRU, Mrs Abby Mackay (Head of Membership and Ticketing) and Pat Howard. Pat himself, an Old Boy of MCA, former Red, Brumby and Wallaby (to list a few achievements), was instrumental in ensuring the boarders were provided with this experience. A moment to remember for all involved was the impromptu Sub Tuum which saw current Red and Old Boy Bryce Hegarty join in one voice with our boarders.

Channel 9 Behind the Scenes

In preparation for the lead up to the Reds v Force, Chanel 9 Sports Presenter and Old Boy Michael Atkinson visited the College for some pregame insight. Michael took time out to speak with Henry Thomasson, Clancy Clemson and Hayden Lammon.

UNIFORM

Marist College Ashgrove Uniform Shop

Extended Hours for upcoming Winter Uniform (Term 2 and Term 3)

April Holidays

Friday 16 April – 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (walk-ins)
Monday 19 April (Student Free Day) – 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (walk-ins)

Term 2 Week 1

Tuesday – 7:30 am to 12:00 pm
Wednesday – 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Thursday and Friday – 7:30 am to 12:00 pm

Shop Contact Details

STUDY TIPS

Wellbeing

In 2020 we launched a trial of an online wellbeing tracking platform - Komodo. Komodo is a tool for boarding staff to proactively care for boarder health and wellbeing and we encourage you to discuss with your sons their experience with this to date. Montagne have continued this throughout Term 1, and we look forward to La Valla and Hermitage doing so as Term 2 commences. For staff, it’s a fantastic way to check, track and monitor the boys on key components of their health and wellbeing. Komodo provides schools with tailored software, enabling them to track their school-wide wellbeing trends, highlight students in need of urgent support and provide every student with a voice when they need it most. They are a leader in the space and work with schools such as ourselves, King's College, Rangi Ruru Girls' School, St Paul's College Walla Walla, St Andrew's College and Christ's College to name a few.

For further details please see the web link - https://www.komodowellbeing.com/

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

Jack Billing
Jim Bradford
Joachim Horgan
Josh King
Joseph Kumung
Hayden Lammon
Reggie McMillan
Oscar McVey
Jackson Munn
John Murphy
Zen Sakai
Kalan Schnaubelt

Around the Ground

La Valla

Week 8 in La Valla was possibly one of the busiest on record! Not only were the boys working through a high volume of assessment, but they had many exciting extracurricular activities to participate in as well. With the boys extending their social circles through the Year 7 & 8 Rush Dance and activities with surrounding boarding schools, we took the opportunity to talk to the boys about issues they may face as they meet new people. The La Valla families sent messages that they wanted to convey to the boys about Respectful Relationships and shared the things they wish they knew when they were 12 years old. We also identified a real need to discuss the issue of technology with the boys. We need them to understand that once they send a message, picture, or video, they have potentially lost control of that piece of media. So asked them to consider how they would feel if their families or the wider community were to see what they are writing/sending. We discussed how online interactions could have the potential to damage relationships they are not considered. We are so proud of our La Valla boys, their comments were often mature and insightful, and they loved reading the messages from home.

Montagne

In what has been a wet weekend, the young men of Montagne have mostly kept dry – except for the smelly and wet gear on the balcony after rugby on the weekend! On Thursday night, Ms Humphrys came to speak to the residence about consent and what it means for the boys at their age. After starting with a few games, the chat turned a little more serious, explaining what consent is, sexting, and the potential outcomes and consequences if boys were to not abide by the law. Some great information passed on and timely right before the Rush Dance. We had a group of boys head up to the dance on Friday night and coming back with large smiles on their faces. Snapchat IDs were apparently exchanged over the evening to the delight of many – no phone numbers though… the joys of the modern world. Study was the focus over the weekend with up to five or six exams over the next week.

Hermitage

Week 8 saw the return of 'Winter' Sports with Rugby and Football trials taking place during the week and over the weekend. In what is shaping up to be a busy season, Marley Chan, Kyran Bryant, Harry Laing and Braith Crossingham all trialled for football, with the remaining majority of the dorm playing rugby. We have already had our first casualty of the season after a Hermitage on Hermitage head knock to Marcus Paulsen. Luckily, Marco was alright and returned to the dorm after a quick check-up. In the changeover of the sport season, it is also a signal for Term 1 assessment. The boys have been working hard in study to ensure they are meeting assessment deadlines and have had history and science tasks due this past week. With less than two weeks to go, the boys are encouraged to keep their heads down until the end of term.

Fourviere

There is no stopping the Fourviere lads as they continued their steady march towards the end of term. The busy assessment schedule is ramping up and the Year 10’s are now in the midst of their first official exam block.An air of anticipation filled the residence as the trial period for Term 2 sports got underway. It has been great to see the large number of boys getting active and involved in the co-curricular program. A major highlight of the weekend was the opportunity to go to the Queensland Reds match at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday evening. The boys were in fine voice as they cheered the Reds home as their impressive season continues.Finally, it was the turn of the Year 10 boys to take part in the ironing skills workshop, which rounded out our life skills program for Term 1. A huge thank you goes to local mums; Cassandra Davis, Deb Maddox, Leah McGahan and Kelly Travers, who so kindly gave of their time to conduct the ironing sessions. Hopefully, this will stand the lads in good stead and have them looking smart at the Year 10 dancing lessons that are set to take place next term.

Br Terence

In what was a busy week preparing for the upcoming assessment due dates, the boys also managed to find time to involve themselves in whole boarding community activities and sporting trials. On Tuesday evening, our Boarding Captains led an initiative to promote the National Day of Action Against Bullying & Violence by hosting a debate in the dining room, while on Saturday evening, our Year 11 and 12 boarders had the opportunity to lead the rest of the boarding community in cheering on the Reds at Suncorp Stadium.

Boarder of the Week

La Valla

The Boarder of the Week for LaValla has shown true Marist values from the moment he walked into the Marist community. He is the model of consistency with impeccable manners, an area that is always spotless and a smiling and welcoming demeanour. His ability to always help others and go the extra mile for others adds to his fantastic nature. Congratulations Isaac McDonald.

Montagne

A model of consistency for Term 1 best describes the Boarder of the Week for Montagne Residence. This engaged boy has been kept busy playing in the As and Bs cricket teams throughout the first trimester of AIC sport and also participating in the internal volleyball competition. Although not in best form over the cricket season, his most telling character trait was his eagerness to improve and train with both squads whenever possible to try and regain his position in the top squad. Elected to the Student Representative Council by his peers illustrates the level of respect that the residence has for him. Over this past week, he has been identified by numerous supervisors for going out of his way to sit and talk to peers who were alone at lunches, dinners and in common areas. A wonderful week he has had - congratulations George Philp.

Hermitage

The Hermitage Boarder of the Week goes to a young man who is well-respected amongst his peer for his helpful and friendly nature not just in the dorm, but around the school as well. This gentlemen is also striving to do his best academically and is noted for his persistent and hard-working approach to study. In study, this border is often seen rolling up his sleeves and simply getting on with the task at hand without complaint or distraction. This boarder is best described as being kind, honest, generous and humble. The Boarder of the Week from Hermitage goes to Oliver Boland.

Fourviere

This week’s Boarder of the Week in Fourviere residence has been recognised for his steady and consistent approach to boarding life. Throughout this term, he has proven himself to be a conscientious mate who is considerate of others, thoughtful in his actions and genuinely respectful at all times. He takes pride in maintaining a neat and tidy area and commits himself diligently to his studies. It has been most pleasing to see him come out of his shell a little more in recent weeks, socialising well with peers and boarding staff alike. Well done on a mature and responsible approach this term. John Murphy.

Br Terence

This week’s Boarder of the Week for Br Terence has proven himself to be a studious, reliable and polite member of the residence. He demonstrates consistent application to his academic studies and can always be relied upon to help out when needed. This young man goes about his business quietly but sets an excellent example to the rest of the boys in the residence. Congratulations Fletcher McMillan.

Boarding Recreation

It's been a busy week in the boarding houses, with the boys knuckling down ahead of their exams in week nine. Adding to the fun was the start of rugby & soccer training which had the vast majority of the boys down at the flats throughout the week. Topping it all off was the deluge of rain we've had, making the fields a literal mud bath!

Friday night saw the Year 7 and 8 dance take place in the Champagnat Centre. The boys got their fancy dress on and had a great evening with more than 500 in attendance, making it a cracking event. Meanwhile, the older boys got some extra study in while a few made a dash to Rebel to pick up mouthguards & shin pads ahead of the first set of trial games on Saturday morning.

We had a special event lined up for Saturday night as the whole boarding community were lucky enough to be hosted at Suncorp Stadium as the Reds took on the Western Force. This had been a few weeks in the making as our school captain, Henry Thomasson, had bumped into Patty Howard at the round one game and spoken about getting all the boarders to Suncorp Stadium for a match. Well done Henry on getting the ball rolling on this. We had the Reds media team, along with MCA Old Boy and current Reds player Bryce Hegarty, at school on Friday talking to the Rugby boys and giving an interesting insight to the Reds ahead of the game. It's always great to connect with Old Boys, and having Bryce at school certainly raised the boy's excitement levels! After a full day of Rugby & Soccer trials on Saturday, the boys donned their school uniforms, and we loaded up three buses on the way to Suncorp Stadium. It's no easy task transporting 150 boys at the best of times, especially into a busy stadium! Fortunately, the rain stayed away and the game kicked off with the Reds on the front foot. We made it onto the big screen several times throughout the game with the usual 'Fan Cam' being rebranded to a 'Boarder Cam'! The boys took great pride in several war cries as the game wore on. It was a closely fought battle with the Reds scoring a late try to take the win 26-19! After full time, we mingled with several players and finished the night with a rendition of the school song with Bryce Hegarty leading the vocals! A huge thank you to Patty Howard and all the Reds staff for making it such a memorable evening for our boarders.

On Sunday, Mr Whitlock took a small group of lads out to Shorncliffe for a morning fish on the pier. We managed to sneak in an hour of fishing before the torrential rain returned. The boys were in a charitable mood, with most of our bait being kindly donated to hungry fish. Our resident expert, Marcus Paulsen, managed to catch a few small Bream and Toby Forbes enjoyed his first-ever experience! The rain put an end to our planned Kangaroo Point BBQ with St Margaret's College, and we decided to stay indoors at the Chermside Shopping Centre instead. We have several activities planned with the St Margaret's girls in Term 2 and look forward to building friendships there. With another busy week in the books, the boys settled into some afternoon study ahead of a big academic week.

Win School Fees for a Term